And David became greater and greaterThis phrase highlights the progressive nature of David's rise to power and influence. After being anointed king over all Israel, David's reign began to solidify, marked by military victories and political consolidation. His growth in greatness can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to establish his kingdom (
2 Samuel 7:8-16). David's increasing greatness also reflects the divine favor upon him, as seen in his successful campaigns against the Philistines and other surrounding nations. This growth is not merely in terms of military might but also in wisdom, leadership, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
for the LORD God of Hosts was with him
This phrase underscores the divine source of David's success. The title "LORD God of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, indicating His supreme power and authority. The presence of God with David is a recurring theme in his life, from his anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) to his victories in battle (1 Samuel 17:45-47). This divine accompaniment is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His choice of David as king. It also prefigures the presence of God with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who would establish an eternal kingdom. The assurance of God's presence provided David with the confidence and strength to lead Israel, reflecting the biblical principle that true greatness and success come from reliance on God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe central figure in this verse, David is the newly anointed king of Israel. His rise to power and success is attributed to God's presence with him.
2.
The LORD God of HostsThis title emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. It signifies that God is the commander of the heavenly armies, underscoring His ability to support and elevate David.
3.
IsraelThe nation over which David is king. This period marks the unification of Israel under David's rule, following the division during Saul's reign.
4.
HebronThe city where David was initially anointed king over Judah before becoming king over all Israel.
5.
JerusalemThe city David captures and establishes as the political and spiritual center of Israel, symbolizing the consolidation of his kingdom.
Teaching Points
God's Presence Brings SuccessDavid's increasing greatness is directly linked to the presence of the LORD God of Hosts. In our lives, true success and growth come from aligning ourselves with God's will and seeking His presence.
The Importance of Divine FavorThe Hebrew word for "with" ('im) signifies a close, supportive relationship. Just as God was with David, we should seek to cultivate a relationship with God that invites His favor and guidance.
Leadership Under God's AuthorityDavid's leadership was effective because he recognized God's authority over his life. As leaders in various capacities, we should submit our plans and actions to God's authority.
The Role of Obedience in God's BlessingDavid's life exemplifies the blessings that come from obedience to God. We are called to live obediently, trusting that God will bless our efforts according to His purposes.
God's Sovereignty in Our LivesThe title "LORD God of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate control over all circumstances. We can trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He orchestrates events for His glory and our good.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:10?
2.How did David's relationship with God contribute to his success in 2 Samuel 5:10?
3.What can we learn about God's support from "the LORD God of Hosts"?
4.How does 2 Samuel 5:10 connect with God's promises to David in 1 Samuel?
5.In what ways can we seek God's presence to strengthen our daily lives?
6.How can David's example in 2 Samuel 5:10 inspire our leadership roles today?
7.How did David grow stronger through the LORD's presence in 2 Samuel 5:10?
8.What does 2 Samuel 5:10 reveal about God's role in David's success?
9.How does 2 Samuel 5:10 challenge the belief in self-reliance?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5?
11.Why does God prohibit David from building the temple in 2 Samuel 7 yet allow Solomon to do so, raising questions of consistency in divine commands?
12.Why was David forbidden from building the temple?
13.If Psalm 15 is attributed to David, how can a flawed king instruct perfect moral conduct without undermining his own credibility?
14.In verse 13, what scientific or historical basis is there for claiming victory through a divine hand despite recorded Israelite defeats (Psalm 108:13)?What Does 2 Samuel 5:10 Mean
And David became• The verse sits in the narrative moment when David has just been crowned king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).
• Scripture presents this as literal history—David, once a shepherd, truly rises to the throne God promised in1 Samuel 16:13.
• His past victories and faithfulness form the foundation of this new stage (1 Samuel 18:14;2 Samuel 3:1 “the house of David grew stronger and stronger,”).
• The wording highlights an ongoing process: David did not peak instantly; he “became,” emphasizing steady development under God’s hand (Psalm 37:23).
greater and greater• The repetition underscores continual, measurable growth—militarily (2 Samuel 5:17–25), politically (5:11–12), and spiritually (Psalm 18:29).
•1 Chronicles 11:9 echoes the same phrase, reinforcing that this progress is historical fact, not hyperbole.
• Such increase fulfills God’s earlier covenant promise: “I have been with you…and I will make you a great name” (2 Samuel 7:9).
• The pattern models how God often works—incrementally expanding influence for those who walk in obedience (Proverbs 4:18).
for the LORD God of Hosts• “LORD” (Yahweh) signals His covenant fidelity; “God of Hosts” points to His command over angelic and earthly armies (1 Samuel 17:45;Psalm 46:7).
• The phrase explains the cause of David’s success: divine backing, not mere human strategy (Psalm 33:16–17).
• Throughout Scripture, acknowledging God as “Lord of Hosts” brings assurance of victory (Isaiah 6:3;Jeremiah 10:6).
• David’s story demonstrates that when the Almighty fights for His people, opposition crumbles (2 Samuel 5:20).
was with him• God’s presence is the decisive factor, echoingGenesis 39:2 (“The LORD was with Joseph”) andJoshua 1:5 (“I will be with you”).
• “With him” conveys intimate guidance, protection, and empowerment—vital for a king shepherding God’s nation (Psalm 23:1,4).
• The same promise extends to all who follow God’s call; Jesus assures, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), linking David’s experience to believers today.
• Therefore, any advancement worth having is rooted in God’s companionship, not self–made ambition (John 15:5).
summary2 Samuel 5:10 records literal, step-by-step growth in David’s kingship. His ever-increasing greatness flows directly from the steadfast presence of the covenant-keeping “LORD God of Hosts.” The verse urges us to recognize that genuine progress—whether personal or communal—comes only because the Almighty is with us, guiding, shielding, and fulfilling His promises.
Verse 10. -
David went on, and grew great. This is the Hebrew phrase for "David grew greater and greater." In this and the six following verses (10-16) we have a summary of David's reign, telling us how he increased in prosperity because of the blessing of "Jehovah God of hosts." The birth of Solomon even is recorded in it, though it took place long afterwards. The insertion in this summary of Hiram's acknowledgment of David proves that this event made a great impression upon the minds of the people.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Davidדָּוִ֖ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessebecameוַיֵּ֥לֶךְ(way·yê·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkgreaterהָל֣וֹךְ(hā·lō·wḵ)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand greater,וְגָד֑וֹל(wə·ḡā·ḏō·wl)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentfor the LORDוַיהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of IsraelGodאֱלֹהֵ֥י(’ĕ·lō·hê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof Hostsצְבָא֖וֹת(ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635:A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaignwas with him.עִמּֽוֹ׃(‘im·mōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally with
Links
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OT History: 2 Samuel 5:10 David grew greater and greater (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
